12 ga flares in a shotgun

C

Captain Workbench

Inactive
I do not have much experinece with shotguns yet so this may be a novice question.

Are the 12ga marine flares the same size as a regular 12 ga shell? If you were in an emergency situation could one be fired out of a regular shotgun? For instance could I carry a couple 12 ga flares while out in the woods, and use them in the shotgun I would be carrying if I needed to? Thanks........... CW
 
There is a big difference between whether you could and whether you should.

Sure you could.
But, no, you shouldn't.

Run a search, it will undoubtedly turn up some threads.

BTW, welcome to TFL.

Stinger
 
I don't see why you couldn't. I've fired flares out of my NEF single shot before. My flare gun's barrel and chamber are made of plastic; I'm sure that if that can handle the flares then the big steel barrel of a typical 12ga can too.

However, don't load them in the magazine tube. They may be too short for your shotgun to cycle properly.
 
Welcome!

The big issue with flares in a "real" shotgun is having one stuck in your barrel. Unless the flare cartridges are specificly designed for a 12 ga, I would regards using them as very high risk.

One of the regulars knows someone who tried this and had the flare stick in his barrel. Not a good thing.
 
Captain Workbench...
Welcome to TFL

In a dire emergency....use them to signal for help.
Not wise to practice with them in a decent gun tho for the above reasons.

If shooting flares...
Be aware of ALL possible flammables in the area.
They don't ALWAYS burn out before reaching the ground.

Sam
 
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